Impacts of the Jaco robotic arm on user satisfaction with performance in everyday activities

Assistive technology (AT) such as the Jaco robotic arm (JRA) provides significant benefits for individuals with upper extremity disabilities (UED). Despite these advantages, barriers including funding limitations, lack of awareness, and insufficient evidence of efficacy can hinder access. This study examined the effectiveness of the JRA by evaluating user performance and satisfaction with occupational performance (OP) before and after device use. A non-experimental retrospective mixed-method study was employed. Participants completed interviews via Zoom using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). Interview data were analyzed and member checking was conducted to ensure accuracy. A convenience sample of JRA users in North America, aged 18 years and older, was recruited in collaboration with Partners in Medicine, the device’s North America distributor. The COPM identified challenges in self-care, productivity, and leisure, as well as corresponding performance and satisfaction ratings prior to and following JRA use. Twelve users, aged 30-58, who had used the JRA for 3 weeks to 8 years, participated. Common OP problems included opening and closing doors, retrieving items, drinking, manipulating phones, eating, community mobility, and repositioning body parts. Participants consistently reported meaningful improvements after acquiring the JRA. Individual average performance score change ranged from 3.2 to 8.3, while satisfaction scores ranged from 3.0 to 7.7. This study demonstrated that the JRA was a beneficial AT intervention for study participants. The findings of this study have the following implications for rehabilitation professionals. Rehabilitation professionals can consider the JRA as a useful intervention for those who live with UED. Our research supports previous studies which indicate that the JRA improves performance and satisfaction with performance in meaningful activities for its users. JRA users in this study report experiencing increased independence, health and wellness, social participation and mobility after obtaining the device. Rehabilitation professionals can include outcome assessments, such as the COPM, in their service provision to document the impact of their interventions.